Vivo’s X series flagships are known for their imaging capabilities. However, this year vivo has managed to pack more than just phenomenal cameras in the X200 series. It consists of a total of four models: vivo X200, X200 Pro, X200 Ultra, and a new model—the X200 Pro mini. The base and Pro models have already launched in the global market. But what are the key upgrades this year?
First of all, vivo has opted for a flat design for both the standard and Pro models this time around. However, there was attention on the in-hand comfort. Both the front and back glass are ‘micro curved’ to offer a comfortable grip. Both models also have significantly slimmer display bezels than their predecessors.
The elephant in the room: camera improvements
Although vivo is using slightly smaller sensors on both the standard and Pro model this time, they have improved the image processing algorithm, and the size reduction is likely aimed at controlling the protrusion of the camera module.
The most notable upgrade here is the 200-megapixel periscope telephoto sensor of the X200 Pro. It offers much more detailed shots and enables the phone to zoom up to 20x even in videos without losing much detail (up from 10x).
Vivo is also using some pretty aggressive AI image enhancement to sharpen the zoomed shots. You can see the zoom comparison of the vivo X200 (50-megapixel 3x periscope telephoto) with two of its competitors below.
Other improvements
To begin with, vivo has adopted the silicon-carbon anode battery tech, and, as a result, the X200 packs a 5,800 mAh battery—a significant upgrade over the 5,000 mAh capacity of the vivo X100. Similarly, the Pro model upgrades the capacity from 5,400 mAh to 6,000 mAh. In fact, both phones are slightly slimmer than their predecessors—X200 measures 8mm (down from 8.5mm), and the vivo X200 Pro measures 8.2mm (down from 8.9)—despite housing the larger batteries.
Although, the charging speeds are slightly downgraded. Both phones now support 90W wired charging, and the Pro model supports 30W wireless charging—downgraded from 50W.
The X200 series brings noticeable performance improvements over last year’s models thanks to the new chip. Aside from the CPU and GPU performance improvements, it also enables the new devices to process some AI features on-device.
Speaking of AI features, users can now access call transcription, text summarization, AI image enhancement, and Object Eraser. While users of the X100 series also get to enjoy the AI features, the X200 series will get 4 years of Android updates and will probably enjoy Vivo’s future developments for longer.
Should you consider the vivo X200 series?
The latest flagships from vivo are currently one of the best (if not the best) in terms of imaging capabilities. While the iPhone 16 Pro models feel a bit more consistent, the vivo X200 series can surpass the latest iPhones in several aspects given you know how to play with the camera app. The only thing holding the vivo X series back is Vivo’s FuntouchOS. Given you are okay with the UI skin, you cannot go wrong with either of the two devices.
For those wondering, the vivo X200 Pro mini is currently exclusive to China, and the X200 Ultra could also remain exclusive to the home country.
